Cairo:Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem emphasized Egypt's commitment to enhancing economic and industrial relations with South Africa, highlighting the long-standing cooperation based on mutual interests between the two nations.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Ministry of Industry aims to strengthen industrial integration by utilizing available resources and capabilities. This effort is focused on establishing joint projects, increasing added value, and boosting the competitiveness of both Egyptian and South African products.

Discussions took place during a meeting with South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mpho Parks Tau. The meeting aimed to explore ways to build on the outcomes of the African Automotive Investment Forum and support joint industrial and investment partnerships. Key areas for potential cooperation include pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, metal industries, and infrastructure.

Hashem highlighted Egypt's efforts to attract automotive manufacturers to establish production facilities, which would meet domestic market needs and support export expansion. He noted the steps taken to localize automotive component manufacturing and attract global investments, particularly in automotive tires and electric vehicle batteries.

There are also promising opportunities for cooperation in testing and certifying vehicles and their components, facilitating trade and strengthening industrial integration within African markets. The discussion included potential joint projects in iron, steel, and manganese alloys, which could maximize the use of mineral resources and increase the added value of raw materials.

South African Minister Mpho Parks Tau affirmed his country's interest in deepening cooperation with Egypt, especially in the automotive industry. He mentioned that the African Automotive Investment Forum resulted in significant agreements, including a partnership between Egypt's El Araby Group and South Africa's Malben Engineering to manufacture automotive components, and the launch of the Egyptian-South African Business Council. These agreements mark the beginning of further industrial and investment partnerships between the two countries.